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Utah lawmakers are about to consider making some significant changes to Utah’s liquor laws.
In such an important discussion, the issues need to be decided on their merits. Don’t let the debate become mired in a sideshow of who wields influence and who doesn’t.
To hear the exclamations of some outspoken critics, something sinister must be going on because a registered lobbyist in various discussions about proposed liquor law changes represented the views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In reality, the Church only exercised its right, as well as its responsibility as a prominent presence in the Utah community to weigh in on possible changes. Representatives of the hospitality and alcohol industries along with other key players were involved, too. And the public is expressing their views in various hearings.
Of course, proposals to change Utah’s liquor laws always generate strong feelings. For some, any change is too much. For others, the changes are never enough. Cultural implications always come into play.
Regardless, the current system, in place since 1990, could use some updating.
Let the focus be more on the proposed changes and how they will impact the community, and less on unfounded fears "the Church" is manipulating life in Utah.
